Confessions of a Make Up Hoarder: Fall Beauty Tips from Jessica

Hello, my name is Jessica and I am a make up hoarder. I couldn't wait to turn 12 and graduate from Watermelon-flavored Chapstick to mascara and lip gloss. I've tried every trend through the ages and dabbled in glitter as well.

As much as I love make up, I also love a bare face. Just like Francie, I have a strict regime of skincare and treatments (you can read all about Francie's regimen and peek at the products she uses here). I can admit to how abusive I am to my skin as a sun worshipper. I spend September through January repairing my damage.

I was thrilled when Tina mentioned doing a Fall Makeover. The truth is I've been buying big palates of eye shadow and using foundation and concealer from long enough ago, I am too embarrassed to estimate a date. Remember, make up expires and can cause bacterial infections at the eye, nose, mouth and clog pores. In the summer my routine is pretty simple. It is so hot I can hardly stand having anything on my face. I typically wear a tinted sunscreen, a powder with SPF, a pale eye color, mascara and a lip gloss. If more make up is required I tend to lean to the neutrals.

Foundation

When I met with Carmen at Private Edition in Nashville, the first thing she asked was “what kind of foundation do you use?” I promptly pointed to the specific foundation I use. She immediately told me it was much too heavy for my skin and I did not need so much coverage. She immediately suggested Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF20. It is so light and creates a dewy effect.

As I mentioned, I am a sun worshipper. I have begun the process of reversing my sun damage using a lightening and correcting system. The consequence is my skin has blemishes due to the turnover of damage. To mask the imperfection, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage has been applied. Then I am dusted with Smooth Finish Foundation Powder.

The Eyes

For my eyes, I like wearing a smoky eye but during the day I am not always sure how to create that look, but toned down. We started with an eye base in Buff by Laura Mercier. If you prime your lid the eye shadow will last much longer or it can be used as your bare-face look. Here, I am wearing a light smoky eye using Sesame up near the brow and Ginger Matte in the crease and lid, both Matte finish and by Laura Mercier. For eye liner, Ombre Blackstar, by Terry, was applied to my lid followed by Crayon Kohl Terrybly to both my lid and and under lash line. Lastly, mascara with Growth Booster was applied. I definitely could use some help growing some lashes. By Terry makes this amazing product that adds volume and length but also stimulates growth. Yes, please!

Hold on. Your eye is not finished without a great brow. My brows are nowhere near my hair color. I know I am not alone. True Confession: I dye my brows and lashes. PSA: Have this professionally done. This is not ‘hair dye”. These are your eyes so do not take risks! Even though I color my brows, they still require a little fill and touch up to achieve a finished look. Eyebrow Mascara, yes, specifically for the brow, no it is not sticky. By Terry makes a great one in a gel. It dries quickly and does not rub off like a pencil.

The Lip

Lastly the lip. My color was updated to a beautiful autumn tone instead on my summer pink. I don’t like wearing heavy or bright lip colors. I prefer to accent my eyes. Always balance yourself and never go for drama on both the eye and lip. It can look overwhelming. I am wearing a simple StickGloss by Laura Mercier. It is not sticky and provides enough lip coverage for me.

The Makeover

Ladies take a moment for yourself. Your face is the first thing people see. It is the quickest way to update for a season. Jeans and a T-shirt, as I have worn for this shoot, can quickly go from Summer to Fall by adjusting your make up. You can find most of these products at your local beauty store or, call Carmen at Private Edition (615-292-8606) and she'll ship you anything you'd like!

If you'd like 20% off Private Edition's *entire* Therapy Systems site (where you'll find many products used by us SV contributors), Complete Style Vault members can access your exclusive discount code here and start shopping (20% discount through 9/18/16). If you're not a member yet and would like to take advantage of this offer, you can try the 5 day trial for free. Style Vault members can upgrade for free too, and start shopping even more collections with additional discounts!